Evan Joyce, Brandon Lowery, Ascia Phillips, Peter Harmon, and John Stilla

The Gilded Age was a period of immense change in the United States. All of the abuses and problems of the time generated many different reactions - most directed at reform. Slowly, government regulations began to reign in the abuses of big business. At the same time, social reformers actively sought to correct the problems evident in American cities.


Why have many historians considered the late 1800's in America to be a Gilded Age; a period which was outwardly showy, but inwardly corrupt?

Many historians consider the late 1800's in America a "Gilded Age" because the rich people got richer and displayed their great wealth while they abused their workers to increase their own profits. Also the extravagently rich companies banded together to undercut their competition to gain a monopoly on their product.

How did early reaction to the Gilded Age attempt to correct the abuses of the period?

Early reactions to the abuses of the period tried to correct the abuses by forming labor unions to organize strikes, botcotts, and fight for better wages, conditions, and work hours.

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